As Nigeria marks 27 years of democratic rule since 1999, many citizens highlight corruption and weak institutional leadership, urging stronger institutions, less dependence on individual leaders, and renewed calls for restructuring.
May 29, 1999, marked the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, ending more than two decades of military rule and ushering in five democratically elected presidents: Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, the late Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was the late President Muhammadu Buhari who, in 2018, declared that the Democracy Day celebration, hitherto marked every May 29th, would now be marked on June 12 to honour Moshood Abiola, the winner of the 1993 presidential election, held on June 12.
Reflecting on the journey, Nigerians strongly believe in the democratic system of government over military juntas, citing the fundamental importance of civil liberties and the rule of law. However, they also noted that the democratic system continues to face challenges such as corruption and poor governance.
Democracy has allowed Nigerians to participate in elections, witness transfers of power between political parties, and enjoy greater freedoms than were possible under military rule. Despite these democratic gains, many Nigerians remain dissatisfied with how democracy functions in practice.
The NDR conducted interviews on what Nigerians think about democracy in the Fourth Republic. It should be noted that the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, during the Annual General Meeting of the NBA Ikorodu branch, called for the upholding of the rule of law, protection of democratic values, and promotion of justice.
The Senior member of the Bar emphasised that all members must be ready to uphold justice and protect democratic institutions, noting that the legal community has a crucial role to play in preserving public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
Public relations impresario and a legal practitioner, Canon Lasunkanmi Bolaji Esq., explained that Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 has yielded mixed results, brought essential political freedoms, but has failed to significantly reduce poverty or improve living standards. While citizens enjoy greater civil liberties, pervasive corruption, insecurity, and systemic economic challenges have sparked widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of governance.
O.J. Olajide, a building engineer and real estate professional, said the Fourth Republic has seen tangible developments, such as the telecommunications revolution initiated during the Obasanjo administration. He acknowledges that while corruption remains a significant hurdle and elections are often imperfect, the democratic process itself is an achievement because it involves the citizenry in governance. He argues that every administration, within its four-year tenure, contributes some level of positive development, even if it does not meet the full expectations of the Nigerian people.
Michael, a thrift coordinator in Ogba, identifies the lack of institutionalised leadership across sectors as a major challenge. He argues that for democracy to work effectively, institutions must be genuinely independent so the system can produce capable leaders. He also stresses the need for transformational leadership to reform the current system and free the country from what he describes as the forces of oppression.
Jimoh Taylor-Babatunde, a businessman and politician, advocates a clear separation of powers and full independence for the judiciary, legislature, and executive. He argues for a system-driven form of governance, rather than one centred on personalities, and supports restructuring toward a regional system in which people have greater control over their resources and governance.
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